Recruit Like a Giant, Pay Like a Startup: Attracting Top Talent Without Giving Up Equity

In this episode of Projecting Grandeur, we dive into one of the biggest challenges early-stage founders face: recruiting elite talent without the deep pockets or equity giveaways of big tech.

Host Ron Dichter breaks down proven strategies to attract A-players using vision, autonomy, mission, and culture as currency. Learn how to sell the dream, leverage momentum, and create roles people want—not just need. Discover creative compensation models, non-monetary incentives, and the storytelling tactics that inspire belief and buy-in from high-performers.

If you’re a founder competing against Google, Meta, or VC-backed unicorns, this episode is your blueprint to build a killer team—without burning through stock or cash.